We saw a film called 1234 last night at the LFF.

It's about a lad who works in a call centre and dreams of breaking the tedium with his band (inspired by the likes of Delgados, Belle and Sebastian, "Yummy Fur" "no-one remembers them!" and the like). And it's a nice little film about downbeat indie music. I guess it's not going to set the movie columns afire, but it's likable enough look at the live gigging scene - set in London but it could be any town where bands circulate. There's a definite Glasgow feel to the music. And it is very open about the influences - chapters named after song titles, cast members namechecking them and it's called 1 2 3 4 :)

The band's music isn't so important (it's not the Commitments as my friend tried to suggest it should be!) and is portrayed through its development stages in the rehearsal "suite" to the demo studio to the live debut. The nascent romance between two members of the band (SPOILER? not much of one) is not as important as the members' romance with the ideal of the band, and each of them has a different idea.

The professional guitarist, urging them to rehearse their fingers to the bone.

The slightly bonkers drummer, best mate of the lead singer, loyal to the band.

The girl bass player with an artistic vision (all a bit derivative of other works, which works as a joke about the art scene if you want to be generous).

That romantic who brings the band together to fulfil his dreams.

Together they are 1234 and they bring rock and roll to you ...
loosely speaking.

As the story of a band's growing pains it might be a bit sensitive for some people in bands, but the (good and bad) elements of the film's music scene were recognisable to me as a gig goer. And the Luminaire toilets.

http://www.carsonfilms.co.uk/1-2-3-4/home/

A mixtape soundtrack CD for this one is a must.

They don't seem to have a myspace page or a facebook page for this film, how very retro :)